I train to condition my body for the martial arts, and to stay healthy. Ripples wil come and go, but to keep ones Qi balanced and healthy will surpass that. Since I live with a moderately-serious chronic disease, this is especially so for me.

If anything, strengthening is just another aspect of the whole, just as all other parts of my training are.

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"Success is a process, not a destination. Have faith in your ability."~Bruce Lee

Due to my muscle type I don't have much choice (long muscles, don't grow as much in size) - pure power/strength.

Granted, I'd love to look bigger, but because I also have a pretty delicate skeleton, there are some parts of my body that just won't grow (say, wrists for example). I'm not sure whether anything can be done about that or not, but I don't think so.

What I'm suprised about though is that my shoulders are broader now than say, one year back. I thought that was more genetic than about working out.

i want to be strong and fit enough so that when im to the age where alot of people can barely ride a merry-go-round without having back problems i'll be sparring practicing self defense and etc, with the average person or martial artist

Quote: There's nothing worse than being strong, but not strong enough.

Could not agree more! honestly it's my worst nightmare, seriously, once in awhile I have that dream where I can't save my loved ones simply because I'm not strong enough.

I guess I train for both, sometimes a tough apperance will be enough to deter someone from wanting to pick a fight with you, other times it makes it worse because only tough A-holes with something to prove will want to fight other tough-looking guys.

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Even though you only have two arms you can still block with your forearms.

My main goal is to obtain physical strength, in order to be able to defend myself if needed. That's why today I started going to the gym, only to find out that I'm too weak. It will much time to strenghten, I guess. Was a bit disappointed 'cause I didn't wait for it to be so difficult but I Know I can't wait results so quickly.

Not scarey but I find that muscle size can be intimidating to many and they may think twice about starting something if they think you are strong. I want to be strong, but I also work out functionally for martial arts, but I also want the benefits of looking good which also gives me confidence. That confidence can also be intimidating.

_________________________"IF I COME ... I'M BRINGING THE PAIN WITH ME"

i have trained with weights since iwas 13 i'm about to turn 35 in a couple of months and i love it. it is agreat way to reduce stress and it makes you feel better about yourself. i'm freaky strong but my gains are through extreme hard work.as i read in an earlier post i hope to keep lifting until i die. for me along with ma it is a way of life and even though i am busy one needs to take time for themselves!